Books published by publisher Owlkids

As young readers journey into the natural world, they will discover that numbers, patterns, shapes ― and much more! ― can be found by observing everyday plants and animals. What if animals and plants knew math, just like you? Would leaves fall in patterns? Would whales enter a race? In Counting on Fall, the first title in the Math in Nature series by award-winning author Lizann Flatt, nature comes to life to help children grasp concepts of number sense and numeration. The engaging “What if?” format of this informational picture book is sure to delight five- to seven-year-olds. Each of the four books in the Math in Nature series will cover one season of the year and one area of the math curriculum. Colorful, cut-paper collage art uniquely evokes the natural world, while two levels of text ― one a lyrical story, the other asking children to problem-solve ― bring the reader to a full understanding of the math concept being covered.

You Are Stardust begins by introducing the idea that every tiny atom in our bodies came from a star that exploded long before we were born.From its opening pages, the book suggests that we are intimately connected to the natural world; it compares the way we learn to speak to the way baby birds learn to sing, and the growth of human bodies to the growth of forests. Award-winning author Elin Kelsey — along with a number of concerned parents and educators around the world — believes children are losing touch with nature. This innovative picture book aims to reintroduce children to their innate relationship with the world around them by sharing many of the surprising ways that we are all connected to the natural world.Grounded in current science, this extraordinary picture book provides opportunities for children to use their imaginations and wonder about some big ideas. Soyeon Kim’s incredible diorama art enhances the poetic text, and her creative process is explored in full on the reverse side of the book’s jacket, which features comments from the artist. Young readers will want to pore over each page of this book, exploring the detailed artwork and pondering the message of the text, excited to find out just how connected to the Earth they really are.

Join a young boy as he hops around the globe, visiting friends in thirteen different countries spanning all six populated continents. Along the way, he introduces us to each friend’s environment and customs, and shares interesting facts about each country’s culture, language, food, geography, wildlife, landmarks, and more. This informational picture book brings engaging nonfiction content to younger readers by showing them how other children live around the world. Playful illustrations done with make each locale feel welcoming. A Ticket Around the World will leave readers feeling like they’ve toured the globe without ever having left home.

When North American kids picture a school, odds are they see rows of desks, stacks of textbooks, and linoleum hallways. They probably don’t picture caves, boats, or train platforms — but there are schools in caves, and on boats and on train platforms. There’s a whole world of unusual schools out there!But the most amazing thing about these schools isn’t their location or what they look like. It’s that they provide a place for students who face some of the toughest environmental and cultural challenges, and live some of the most unique lifestyles, to learn. Education is not readily available for kids everywhere, and many communities are strapped for the resources that would make it easier for kids to go to school. In short, it’s not always easy getting kids off to class — but people around the world are finding creative ways to do it.In Off to Class, readers will travel to dozens of countries to visit some of these incredible schools, and, through personal interviews, meet the students who attend them, too. And their stories aren't just inspiring — they'll also get kids to think about school and the world in a whole new way.

A peaceful day on the farm turns to panic when Hen discovers her egg has been stolen! The only one who can crack the case? Billiam Van Hoof, the world’s number one goat detective (at least, that’s what he calls himself). As Van Hoof questions the animals and collects clues―a piece of eggshell, a yellow feather, and some tiny footprints―the answer to the mystery becomes obvious to everyone except the bumbling inspector. Readers will enjoy piecing together the clues long before the hapless goat detective and will laugh along with his ridiculous conclusions. The bright, comic illustrations in this junior graphic novel are filled with visual jokes and quirky details that kids will delight in finding. With a cast of lovable characters, this goofy mystery story is a great introduction to graphic novels.

Inuksuk Journey is a visually stunning chronicle of Mary Wallace’s summer trip to the Arctic, inspired by her long-held fascination with the ancient Inuit symbol of the inuksuk, or stone marker. Wallace's trek took her through the land in a way few people will ever experience, and her "you-are-there" journal, illustrated with photographs, sketches, and artifacts, includes dramatic encounters with Arctic wildlife, tales of hunting, fishing, and living off the land, and accounts of visiting undisturbed relics of Inuit life dating back thousands of years. Thirteen paintings — each inspired by a different day of the artist's journey — richly depict the region's land, sea, sky, wildlife, and people. The knowledge Wallace gains from her Inuit guides allows deep insight into the various forms of the inuksuk and its many purposes. An engaging, gorgeous mix of travel journal and art book, Inuksuk Journey offers a memorable portrait in words and pictures of one of the world's last remaining true wildernesses.

The clothes we wear every day keep us comfortable, protect us from the elements, and express our unique style―but could fashion also be fatal? As it turns out, history is full of fashions that have harmed or even killed people. From silhouette-cinching corsets and combustible combs to lethal hair dyes and flammable flannel, this nonfiction book looks back at the times people have suffered pain, injury, and worse, all in the name of style. Historical examples like the tragic “Radium Girl” watchmakers and mercury-poisoned “Mad Hatters,” along with more recent factory accidents, raise discussion of unsafe workplaces―where those who make the clothes are often fashion’s first victims. Co-authored by a scholar in the history of textiles and dress with the founder of WORN Fashion Journal, this book is equal parts fab and frightening: a stylishly illustrated mash-up of STEAM content, historical anecdotes, and chilling stories. Nonfiction features including sidebars, sources, an index, and a list of further reading will support critical literacy skills and digging deeper with research on this topic.

Meet Josephine: a spirited and curious girl, a big sister, and a human being. She’s also a mammal, an animal, and a living thing—all identities she explores with readers in this simple informational picture book.Josephine presents her family (and herself) as examples of human beings, and then familiar creatures like her dog and her mom (and herself) as mammals. Next, she adds whales, lobsters, hummingbirds, and elephants (and herself) as examples of animals. Finally, she shares examples of living things, including moose, foxes, butterflies, flowers, and bugs and, of course, herself!Inspired by science and nature writer Jan Thornhill’s many classroom visits, this book is intended to help children recognize themselves as part of the natural world, with an emphasis on how all living things share similarities.Playful, kid-friendly illustrations in vibrant colors paired with minimal text make this an easy introduction to the classification of living things. Endmatter goes into further detail about the unique characteristics of humans, mammals, animals, and living things.LEVELINGGrade Range: PreK–2Fountas & Pinnell: FReading Recovery: 9–10Lexile: AD 530LCOMMON CORERI.1.1,2,3,4,6,7,8,10L.1.1,1g,2,2a,2b,2c,4,5,5b,6RF.1.1,2,3,4,4a,4b,4cSL.1.1,1a,1b,1c,2,3,4,5,6W.1.1,2,3,5,6,7,8

A group of 11-year-olds arrives to spend six weeks playing sports at Camp Avalon―which they affectionately call Camp Average, because they never win at any sport. And that’s the way they like it. But this summer, new camp director Winston―who hates losing―has some hyper-competitive ideas about how to improve their performance, whether they want to or not! Led by main character Mack and his friend Andre, the boys of Cabin 10 decide to reclaim their summer and revolt by losing spectacularly at every game they play, and especially at the big baseball tournament coming up with three nearby camps. In a story full of plotting, planning, and plenty of push-ups, it’s a full-court press on losing for the campers, strategic play-by-play for the camp director, and great teamwork on all sides. Who will come out on top? The first book in the new Camp Average series is a smart, funny summer read featuring a diverse group of realistic characters and a winning storyline.

When a storm sweeps Emi’s beloved stuffed fox away from their mountain home, he ends up tattered and alone on a distant shore. A kind old man finds the fox and gives it to his granddaughter, Kiko. As she recovers from an injury of her own, Kiko mends the fox lovingly with golden thread. As the seasons pass, Kiko cares for the fox as her own. But after discovering his origins, she sets out, with her grandfather’s help, to bring the fox back to its original home. Once together, Emi and Kiko piece together the fox’s journey and find delight in their newly forged connections. Golden Threads is inspired by the Japanese art form of kintsugi, or golden joinery, where broken pottery is repaired with resin painted gold. Kintsugi values repairing, rather than replacing, believing that the cracks give the broken item its story. This book is also a warm celebration of wabi-sabi, the Japanese idea that there is beauty in things that may be incomplete or imperfect.

Join a young boy as he hops around the globe, visiting friends in 13 different countries spanning all six populated continents. Along the way, he introduces us to each friend’s environment and customs, and shares interesting facts about each country’s culture, language, food, geography, wildlife, landmarks and more. Each country has a dedicated spread with a small map that shows geography and landmarks, letting readers imagine they are traveling, too. The format makes it easy to spot similarities and differences between countries.This informational picture book brings engaging nonfiction content to younger readers by showing them how other children just like them live around the world. Playful, realistic illustrations done with stylized realism lend warmth and whimsy to the book, making each locale feel welcoming. A Ticket Around the World will leave readers feeling like they’ve toured the globe without ever having left home.Countries included:Costa RicaIndiaMoroccoGreeceCanadaBrazilFranceBotswanaChinaPhilippinesAustraliaUnited StatesJordan

When a dog and a rat come upon a rabbit flattened on the road in their neighborhood, they contemplate her situation, wondering what they should do to help her. They decide it can’t be much fun to lie there; she should be moved. But how? And to where? Finally, the dog comes up with an inspired and unique idea and they work together through the night to make it happen. Once finished, they can’t be positive, but they think they have done their best to help the flat rabbit get somewhere better than the middle of the road where they found her. Sparely told with simple artwork, The Flat Rabbit treats the concept of death with a sense of compassion and gentle humor — and a note of practicality. In the end, the dog’s and the rat’s caring, thoughtful approach results in an unusual yet perfect way to respect their departed friend.Grade: 3Fountas & Pinnel: NLexile Measure: AD 610LCommon Core State Standards:CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.3,3a,5,5a,5b,5cCCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.3.4,4aCCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1,3,4,5,6,7,10CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.3,3a,3b,3c,3d,5,6,8,10